Rating: 
Summary: Good from every angle
Review: Primal Fear tells the story of attorney Martin Vail's efforts to defend Aaron Stampler, who is accused of killing a very prominent influential and popular Catholic bishop. The book is solid enjoyment, well researched, and all of the main characters are well developed. There are shifts and surpises, but none so ridiculous as to be unbelievable. The courtroom scenes are well done and very interesting.This was my first first book by Diehl and I have never seen the movie, although I remember it coming out. I enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed books by Michael Connelly and James Patterson. Diehl's better than Grisham without a dobut. After this one, I can't wait to read another book by him. I don't want to say too much about the plot, except that you'll know early on who the killer is, and so will everyone else on Vail's defense team. Don't rest on that. Before the end that will change before your very eyes. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Better than Grisham
Review: I must say that I bought this book by seeing an ad of the movie on the TV, but while the movie hadn't come up in Brazil I read it. I've never heard about Diehl before, but as I turned the pages ( fast indeed ), I realized that he is a very good writer, able to create characters that you simply love. vail is the bad-boy counselour that must take the defense of the angel-looking Stampler, accused of the murder of a weel-known bishop in Chicago. As he goes deep in the investigation of the crime, th real truth about stampler begins to come out. And it's amazing, to the last page. Even if the end is kind of predictable, you keep reading just to confirm if it's what you're thinking. When I found out about the sequel to this novel, named " Show of Evil ", I went right to the bookstore to buy it. And I hope that it makes me stay awake in the night just as " Primal " has
Rating: 
Summary: First-rate legal thriller
Review: Aaron Stampler is found in a confessional booth holding a knife, proclaiming his innocence, after someone killed the revered Bishop of the city. Martin Vail, a quick-witted lawyer who isn't afraid to leap before he looks, is basically coerced into defending the young man who appears guilty in every sense of the world. Every politician in the city seems to have a vendetta against Vail and looks foward to seeing him lose the case. Liked the movie. Loved the book. As with most book-to-movie adaptations, the book was better. Unlike his movie persona, Vail isn't cool, well-dressed sauveness that Richard Gere presented. The Vail in the book is a man who isn't overly concerned about his personal appearance, and he isn't afraid to grab at straws, and he makes lawyers tremble just at the mention of his name. The book also provided more insight on Aaron. You get a taste of his childhood and find out more about what molded him. In the book, Aaron is a genius, despite the accent and his angelic appearance. His childhood wasn't the best thing, and he's even described as being able to detach himself from tragedies. Is that enough to make him a killer? Is he mentally stable? I'm sure by now, most people have heard about the twist, but that doesn't take the impact away from reading it for yourself. I read the "twist" over and over again, even though I've seen the movie and knew what to expect. A first-rate legal thriller. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: A real breath-holder
Review: To read any book by William Diehl is to experience a seasoned master at "the very acme and pitch" of his writing power. Diehl wields his eloquent pen like some mighty Zeus, flinging lightning thoughts that breathe and words that singe. His books are not for the timid. It's hard to realize that a mind so bright and playful creates such iniquitous villains. When legendary attorney Martin Vail is forced by his political enemies to defend Stampler with his invincible legal team--a retired judge, an ex-boxer investigator and a gorgeous psychiatrist, Vail sets out to prove Stampler not guilty. He strides toward his goal, bending with each unexpected blow, through a plot as complicated as a biblical genealogy and infinitely more intriguing--until he comes to a shattering ending. Diehl's writing is so vibrant that his books are not for the squeamish. The reality he paints is often stark and harsh but he's always accurate. Characters romp through the story as the reader becomes caught in their lives. You'll find yourself holding your breath in this one. And if you've seen the movie -- read the book. There's more story here and it's even better.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful !!
Review: I had happened to see bits and pieces of this movie on HBO a couple of years ago..including the ending. But I got around to reading this book only now. Why did I read this book since I already knew what was goin' to happen?? I wanted to read n see for myself why this is a classic. I am glad I did it. I sat up thru most of the Saturday night, went to bed at about 3:00 AM clutching the book, woke up at 10:00 AM and started reading it again. Same thing happened Sunday night and as a result I came late to office. But, what the heck..it was well worth it. This timeless story of Aaron Stampler and the lawyer defending him, Martin Vail must be one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well researched and well written, witty dialogue ("Is that like curbing your dog ?" etc)..you would be a quasi-psychologist yourself by the time you are through. The courtroom scences are sizzling and you keep thinking 'Is Aaron for real ??'. I know that there are a couple of sequels out there. Would it come close to this ? That I have to see for myself. Well, the next thing I have to do is to go to Blockbuster, rent the movie and see it properly.
Rating:
Summary: ONE HELLUVA THRILLING SUSPENSFUL NOVEL BY DEIHL
Review: For someone like me who easily gets bored in reading books...This book kept my attention and I was constantly asking myself, "DID AARON REALLY DO IT OR NOT?"
Mr. Deihl did an OUTSTANDING job when he wrote "Primal Fear"!!!!
The last couple of pages of this book will definitely BLOW YOUR MIND!!!! There is a second (continuation) book by Deihl that picks up where this book leaves off but, it is a few years later and has the same characters. I can't remember the title though. It is definitely worth the search. Just another great book by William Deihl.
Rating:
Summary: Top drawer legal thriller!
Review: "Primal Fear" by William Diehl is just as riveting and absorbing on the second read as it was on the fist go around. Knowledge of the astonishing conclusion enhanced rather than diminished my satisfaction, as I read with a different perspective. It was intriguing to know just who the manipulators were and appreciate their diabolical natures. Mr. Diehl is a marvelous writer and impressive storyteller. He illuminates the main characters skillfully. You feel you are on a first name basis with them as he introduces their back-story in an almost conversational manner. The DA's team, defense attorney Martin Vail's contingent, as well as the victim and suspect are positively vivid characters. The pacing is taut and the denouement is electrifying. "Primal Fear" was a favorite of mine when first published and remains so today. It holds up. As good a legal thriller as I have read.
Rating:
Summary: First-rate psychological thriller
Review: Although past its prime, this book is an absolute classic and has withstood the test of time to prove itself to be one of the very best psychological thrillers. Fast-paced and thorough, this thriller combines the best elements of the legal and psychological thriller genres to make for a fantastic read. As someone who is generally very critical of the realism in modern legal thrillers, I found little not to like in Primal Fear. Diehl is a first-rate writer.
Rating:
Summary: A must read.
Review: This is a great read. Martin Vail is a brilliant lawyer on the roll. He is asked to take on a Pro bono case in which he stands no chance of winning. Turns out his client is not what he seems, and herein lies the beauty of the book.
You are kept fully engrossed as the story unfolds. I liked the way Vail went about building his case, but better yet i was left in owe as to how Aaron Stampler (client) soooo totally manipulates everyone. What more can i say , but read the book.
Rating:
Summary: A splendid who-dunit
Review: An archbishop is brutally murdered. A young boy found covered in blood. Secrets emerge about the archbishop emerge. Martin Vail is a womanizing attorney who must find the truth, wherever it leads. A shocker of an ending This is an utterly fascinating novel that is turned into a great movie. Diehl is an excellent writer who narrates a thought-provoking read. Totally awesome, to coin a phrase from the late 1980's.
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